As the Texas A&M-Kingsville men's basketball opens the 2013-14 campaign at St. Mary's on Tuesday night, the Javelinas will be looking to build upon last season's .500 season as they went 13-13 overall and 9-9 in the Lone Star Conference.
The Javelinas will mix six returnees with a solid crop of newcomers when they take the court this season led by All-Lone Star selection Rashad Basey – the team captain.
Basey, who handled the point guard duties a season ago, averaged 14.2 points a game last season and is one of the top four scorers returning in the LSC this season. Basey, who led the team with 91 assists and 39 steals, will continue to play a vital role this season as he moves out to the win on a more regular basis.
"Rashad did a great job at the point for us last season," said Javelina head coach Pete Peterson. "He will still see time there but he I think he will be much more comfortable on the wing."
Also returning in the mix in the Javelina backcourt and wing positions is junior Adonis Bailey. Bailey, who joined the Javelinas at midseason last year, was third on the Javelinas in scoring with 8.5 points a game.
"Adonis joined us at midseason last year and start the rest of the way," said Peterson. "He has matured quite a bit and provides us with leadership. Adonis plays with a lot of energy and enthusiasm and has a lot of length.
Dwight Taylor returns for the Javelinas at well and can play either guard position or at the wing. He averaged 6.6 points a game last season, but was most valuable on the defensive end for Peterson.
"Dwight is a stopper on defense," said the Javelina coach. "He is so strong on defense that he can guard the one, two or three. He is also older so he provides a lot of leadership. Offensively, it took a while for his shooting to get going last season. He has really worked on that this offseason and is shooting really well now."
Also back are sophomores Ryan Garcia and Thomas Diaz along with senior post Mike Evans.
"Ryan worked twice as hard on his shot," said Peterson. "He continues to improve his skills. Thomas added some more muscle and can now play on the wing or at the four. He crashes the boards hard. He is extremely athletic and well-rounded.
"Mike continues to improve in the post. He is a hard work worker who can give valuable minutes in the paint."
Joining the returnees are eight newcomers who will add tremendously to this year's team.
Ronald Scott, a 6-0 transfer from Frank Phillips Junior College, has assumed the point guard duties from Basey. He averaged 15.8 and 6.0 assists in his final season at Frank Phillips.
"Ronald is running the point and is an intelligent player," said Peterson. "Anyone who knows me knows I am hard on my guards. I expect them not to turn over the ball, rebound and play good defense. I think Ronald can do that."
Ta'Quan McDew played with Scott at Frank Phillips where he averaged nearly 18 points a contest while hitting over 47% of his shots. At 6-4, 205, he brings size to the backcourt.
"Ta'Quan is a deadly shooter," said Peterson. "He can shoot well from the outside but can really attack the basket. We are focusing on having him buy into our defensive system."
Freshman Robert Eledu from Houston Cypress Ridge, also figures into the backcourt mix.
"Robert is a hardworking freshman," said Peterson. "He tries to do everything we ask him to do. Robert came here with the type of attitude that it will take for a freshman to be successful."
Desmond Barnes is a newcomer who will be joining the team around Christmas. A 6-0 guard, Barnes was an all-conference player at the New Mexico Military Institute where he was coached by Ralph Davis.
"Barnes was an all-conference player in juco and was coached by Ralph Davis," said Peterson. "He can really stroke the ball. He has picked things up well."
Several newcomers – Robert Powell, Irvin Hollinger, Jordan Jahr, and Julius Brazzel – will contribute in the Javelina frontcourt.
Powell is a 6-5 leaper from Georgia, who played for Waycross Junior College. Powell was named as a Top 150 JUCO Player to Watch by the JUCO Journal. During his sophomore season at Waycross, Powell turned in a team-high 15 double-doubles and recorded double digit rebounds in 18 games. He averaged 10.7 points and 9.7 rebounds.
"Robert is an explosive athlete," said Peterson. "He is just learning how to play our style. He is learning the terminology. He will be a tremendous rebounder with his athleticism."
Hollinger played two seasons for the Seward County Community College helping the team to a third-place finish in the 2012 NJCAA Division I National Championship. He led his team to a 31-7 record averaging 13.7 points a game and 5.1 rebounds a contest.
"Irvin is a talented player," said Hollinger. "With his understanding of the game of basketball and his talent he will find his way into the starting lineup this season."
Jahr is a Division I transfer from the University of Evansville, who is recovering from an offseason injury. In 2011-12, Jahr opened the season with 15 points against Butler and had 12 in the game with Illinois-Chicago but after eight games redshirted the remainder of the season. In 2012-13, he saw limited action playing in 20 games twice scoring in double figures.
"Jordan is a fundamentally sound player who really understands the game," said Jahr. "He has an inside-outside game. He is not only skilled but a hard worker as well."
Brazzel is a 6-7 powerhouse who is working on overcoming an offseason injury. At 235 pounds, he will provide muscle in the lane for the Javelinas along with athleticism. He averaged nearly a double figure as a sophomore at Modesto JC.
"Julius is a strong player," said Peterson. "He will provide us with scoring in the post and rebounding."
The Javelinas will learn how well the new pieces fit together quickly as they square off with ranked teams in their first two games.
"St. Mary's went to the tournament last year and is No. 19 to start the season," said the Javelina mentor. "Metro State is the preseason No. 1 team after falling in the national title game last season. Colorado-Pueblo and St. Edward's are also tough opponents as well and will show us where we are."
So far Peterson likes his team's chemistry and attitude.
"These guys really get along," he said. "I feel they are one of the closest teams I have been a part of. They also have great attitudes. We have been logging 3-4 hours in practice and haven't said a word. They really seem to enjoy being there."
The attitude will help the team early on and also help them improve on defense which is a hallmark of Peterson-coached teams.
"We are not as good defensively yet as we were last year," said Peterson. "But I think we will get there. These guys just keep plugging away and don't let anything get them down. That will help us get where we want to go."